WEST Coast could be close to full strength for Sunday's danger game against Carlton, with premiership defender Liam Duggan on track for a rapid recovery from a syndesmosis injury.
Duggan was initially diagnosed as needing 5-6 weeks "off legs" after hurting himself in the Western Derby, but is set to put his hand up after missing only three games.
The expected return of skipper Shannon Hurn (calf) is likely to squeeze out emerging half-back Francis Watson, and Duggan's comeback will further intensify the battle to cement spots before finals.
Mark Hutchings is also ready for action after straining his hamstring a month ago against Hawthorn.
The run-with specialist could come under consideration for an immediate recall as coach Adam Simpson plots how to stop Carlton superstar Patrick Cripps.
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The Blues are on a tear under caretaker coach David Teague, with five wins from seven games, while the Eagles have won 10 of 12 to sneak into second spot on percentage.
Nearing the business end of the season, West Coast's dwindling injury list leaves only small forward Jamie Cripps, who is a week away with his adductor issue, and star ruckman Nic Naitanui unavailable from the best line-up.
Naitanui isn't giving up hope of returning this year but is facing a crucial phase in his rehabilitation, more than two weeks after going down with a syndesmosis problem.
The spring-heeled big man's timeline remains indefinite, with West Coast to provide an update "when more information comes to light in the coming weeks".
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Hurn, Duggan, Hutchings and Cripps completed a 45-minute skills session on Tuesday morning, while star midfielder Luke Shuey was on light duties six days out from the Blues clash.
"Shannon's chances of playing this week are quite high," senior physiotherapist Paul Tucker said.
"He needs to just complete a training session on Thursday to declare himself available.
"(Hutchings) has been asymptomatic from a hamstring strain over the last couple of weeks. Last week was just a sign-off for a few things we hadn't seen and now we are expecting him to put his hand up this week as well.
"Liam went through a number of tests already this week. He just needs to sign off with a full training session on Thursday."
Young defender Harry Edwards will return from a foot stress fracture in the WAFL against Swan Districts, however category B rookie Brodie Riach's season could be over after a fibular stress fracture.
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